The hospital stated it will name a new center in honor of Dr. Jonathan Bates, who announced his retirement Friday. The boards of directors of Arkansas Children’s Hospital and its foundation have designated $3 million in funding to help establish the Jonathan R. Bates, MD, Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy.

The new center will focus on improving the quality of health care by promoting innovative techniques to improve patient safety and effective care.

Bates served at the hospital for nearly 20 years and is the hospital’s second-longest serving CEO in its 100-year history. The hospital stated it hopes to have a successor in place by the time Bates retires on June 30.